ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Governor David Paterson's close aide who was accused in a domestic violence incident that embroiled Paterson in scandal has been terminated.

State Comptroller's Office records show that David Johnson has been off the state payroll since Nov. 19.

Paterson had placed him on unpaid leave since Feb. 25. Johnson has pleaded not guilty to assault, menacing, harassment and criminal mischief in the incident from Halloween 2009.

The case led to claims of evidence-tampering at the top levels of the governor's office. None were proven.

Amid the scandal, Paterson ended his campaign for a full term saying he couldn't clear his name and run for office at the same time.

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